As I see it, anyway
I have tried to outline in vaguely in this blog but we are a week away from the midterm elections and it's time to get to the point. You have to understand that there is nothing we can do now to change much of what is about to happen. My plan, idea will only work after next week and will be outlined in its entirety on the next post but today it is time to share the problem.
There is not one single problem with American politics today there are so many problems that I doubt I can list all of them...and THAT is the problem.
I'm in my late 50s and so much has changed in my lifetime with technology, the economy, what is or isn't socially acceptable to name a few. It is a different world and different country since the time I was born. Hopefully you, as the reader, can accept this truth. It will go a lot easier if you give me that one point.
One of the titles was Royal Flush and spoke of kingdoms, monarchies. Why this title? We are living in one. I know, constitutional republic, nope. Not now. Not today. Not when you give it a little thought. In a kingdom, there is a ruling class. A class that dictates law to the citizens with little concern for them because they view them as their subjects, their children. But are we little mindless kids that want mom and dad to make all the decisions for us without our consent? We do because they no longer represent us. It is all for their best interests. Their pocketbooks. But that doesn't make them a ruling class, you say. Look at who our parents are! A generation of Kennedys, the Bush family, the recent rise in the Slitherin House, the Clintons. All in my head!?! Do you realize that a few have been parenting(lording)over us for almost my entire lifetime? Andy, do your chores, help the family out and be a good boy. Ruling class. Parental oversight. Worse, we have allowed it for 2 generations that I know of.
I will never be a supreme court justice post only backs up this claim. Huh? I don't have the power and money to make any of my mistakes go away. Who would have ever thought that we would have 2 presidents openly admit to smoking pot? Not that I have an issue with pot but according to the law of the land its illegal. Yes, I did too when I was younger but i can't sweep it under the rug. It would come out and be used against me as would other aspects of my life. But when you are groomed for the "job" or like Martin Sheen's character in "the Dead Zone", bully, claw and even murder (if its necessary) your way into the Ministry of Magic then there is no touching you. Who is untouchable in our world today? Royalty. Diana is dead and even the Queen herself has been charged with guilt in the disappearance of children back in the 70s. Crickets. I did do research, so feel free to look up these things.
That's England!, you cry. Its here too. Juanita Broderick and Chappaquiddick come to mind quickly. I'm sure if we sat down At The Kitchen Table and talked, we would agree on many more examples that didn't just focus on the Blue Blood of one house. A constitutional republic is just a monarchy without a specific ruler, similar to Rome but without Caesars. But something happened on the way to the polling stations. We got complacent.
How did that happen? Life. We got too busy making a living a decided we didn't have time for life. You will argue that has always been the case and you would not necessarily be wrong. But things have changed over the last 50 years.
I am trying to get this all down on paper before or just after the elections and it is not my intention to write a complete book in a week, so the things I will skip are the failings of the education system both public and private, healthcare(no matter how huge a roll it has in the storyline), or our military presence around the world with over (Mark Salter from SaltyTalkRadio.com as my fact checker) 800 based worldwide for our Empire. I tried to add a few more to the no time to discuss list but sorry, it will get touched upon.
I have decided that the solution will have to wait a bit longer than the next blog because I see this will be 2 parts of i am still alive and/or able to post again. As a last will and testament, being of questionable mind for writing this and surviving the attempted homicide through misdiagnosis, I leave everything to my wife, Svetlana. Hopefully they won't bother her but Alex is next in line. The other 2 I won't mention there names but in the event of all of us ceasing to exist at the same time, my friends know who they are. Dramatic? Over the top? Maybe, maybe not. Time will tell.
More of the problem...
I heard it discussed recently that in my lifetime, the president was untouchable to the degree that as long as he didn't break the law, not the moral law, but the law of the land, that he should not be drug down. This was the 60s. And a different time. News was straight forward. A story was read with no opinion. Then came Watergate. Illegal activity. Pulitzer prizes, movie deals, wow! Cool stuff! How do I take down a president? By reporting. Not reading the news but going out and finding a story. It's that easy? Yes, son, it is. And the cool thing is, if the story ends up having no teeth, no bite to it we can do a few things to get more recognition anyway. How, dear mentor, can we do that? Why it's simple! If you want to do a story on the unsafe design of a pickup truck and how it can explode on impact, to be sure it does, overfill the tank(start a small fire where no one can see it) and barrel a big vehicle into to it. We can call this news and our ratings will be high!
Even though it's only reporting AND it violates the code of reporting it's not news. Drama, yes. And this type of behavior lead to reality TV which didn't have anything to do with reality. What was my point? The seduction of the press for the sake of accolades but not for truth. They found that their hatred was an easy path down the dark side of the force. Seduced they were. Powerful it is. Lost they are.
Part 2 of "The Problem" will not take as long as the 7th installment for Star Wars.
Tuesday, October 30, 2018
Friday, October 26, 2018
The Eternal Sea
11 days. I thought 2016 was an important election but this one is shaping up to be a defining moment for this country and it's only 11 days away.
My crazy, well thought out, possibly game changing idea is not about this election, never was. The outrage and unrest that could come from it will hopefully be a springboard for what I have in mind. As we have learned from some of my posts, timing is everything in a political climate. Still not ready to spill the beans just yet but I do need to finish some of the background of the story in the next 11 days.
The Eternal Sea
According to bible scholars, this is the world of politics. I am no expert in the bible nor in politics. That said, I did stay in a Holiday Inn Express a few times, so there's that.
Over the past few years, I have done many talk radio shows with a good friend on SaltyTalkRadio. Mark has expanded my knowledge, not from my pizza consumption (a signature of the show "pizza is knowledge ") but from the exploration into ideology. Our back and forth and open mindedness allows for good conversation and the presentation of different ideas. It is safe to say that our friendship has helped me grow as a person and our endless hours of talking has improved my critical thinking skills. Not sucking up, just stating facts.
Bible. Eternal Sea. The first time I heard this phrase, actually read this phrase, was in the book "The Omen". Read it before the movie came out. Actually, many books that I read lead me to opening the bible. Business and the principles of business are outlined in the bible. Quotes in PMA books nearly forced me into reading it. I managed to finish twice. And because the Book of Revelations seemed to hold some foreshadowing of what was to come, "The Left Behind" series was devoured as well. (Read 8 of the books in a month.)
Holiday Inn Express, remember? I've read a couple books, quickly and have 3 hour long conversations with an intelligent friend, ate pizza and now an expert in the world of politics!
Eternal Sea. Endless, perpetual, timeless. How are these things possible without "ever changing"? The water that rolls up the beach with one wave, is not the same water that crashes on the sand the next time. Maybe some but not all. And after a few waves, it's all new. Constantly moving, shifting and changing that, to me, is the Eternal Sea.
And not a swamp.
My crazy, well thought out, possibly game changing idea is not about this election, never was. The outrage and unrest that could come from it will hopefully be a springboard for what I have in mind. As we have learned from some of my posts, timing is everything in a political climate. Still not ready to spill the beans just yet but I do need to finish some of the background of the story in the next 11 days.
The Eternal Sea
According to bible scholars, this is the world of politics. I am no expert in the bible nor in politics. That said, I did stay in a Holiday Inn Express a few times, so there's that.
Over the past few years, I have done many talk radio shows with a good friend on SaltyTalkRadio. Mark has expanded my knowledge, not from my pizza consumption (a signature of the show "pizza is knowledge ") but from the exploration into ideology. Our back and forth and open mindedness allows for good conversation and the presentation of different ideas. It is safe to say that our friendship has helped me grow as a person and our endless hours of talking has improved my critical thinking skills. Not sucking up, just stating facts.
Bible. Eternal Sea. The first time I heard this phrase, actually read this phrase, was in the book "The Omen". Read it before the movie came out. Actually, many books that I read lead me to opening the bible. Business and the principles of business are outlined in the bible. Quotes in PMA books nearly forced me into reading it. I managed to finish twice. And because the Book of Revelations seemed to hold some foreshadowing of what was to come, "The Left Behind" series was devoured as well. (Read 8 of the books in a month.)
Holiday Inn Express, remember? I've read a couple books, quickly and have 3 hour long conversations with an intelligent friend, ate pizza and now an expert in the world of politics!
Eternal Sea. Endless, perpetual, timeless. How are these things possible without "ever changing"? The water that rolls up the beach with one wave, is not the same water that crashes on the sand the next time. Maybe some but not all. And after a few waves, it's all new. Constantly moving, shifting and changing that, to me, is the Eternal Sea.
And not a swamp.
Thursday, October 25, 2018
Guilty as Charged
Mike G played on the church softball team with me. His brother Steve did too. It was a fun game to play with friends. Fellowship with like minded individuals and recap the games on Sunday. Good times.
Until I had to use Mike in a professional capacity. Marriage counseling. Not cool, not so fun and if I remember correctly, the end of my nearly professional career as a church league softball player.
Things were not amazing at home. Life was difficult in the relationship department and I knew Mike was in the business and I liked and respected him. So I paid him for a few visits and explored my inner workings.
I think it was the 3rd and final visit that got to the root of the problem and after that, I didn't return to his office or the team or even the church for some time.
A little of topic...Gary Smalley is a very successful Christian Family counselor and in his studies, successful families have one thing in common, camping.
We didn't camp and I usually have a current point to make as I tell a story, regardless of whether I tell the story good or bad.
During my last session with Mike , I used the word deserve. I don't remember the sentence but it was his sudden increase in writing that made me realize it might be important. The second time I said it, ten minutes later, after a flurry of scribbling and a "hmmmm" I knew I found out something important. Well, it wasn't until he said "you used that word twice".
I knew then that I was guilty of something that kept me from finding peace and happiness in my life, at least on a subconscious level. What was it that I needed to deserve happiness? To deserve tranquility in my life?
In retrospect it is easy to answer this...I needed to not feel guilty for being me. For being born in a country that allows me certain qualities of life that others don't have.
I have learned over the years that even though I have had a few extra opportunities because of education, skin color, country of birth, or any other non-politically correct situation that I should not question whether I deserve something or not. I have scratched and clawed my way through life, the same as others. I've been homeless and penniless and still fought through it all. I have not felt the discrimination that some skin colors have but I never felt privileged either. But to look south of the border, at the invasion that may soon try to cross our border, and try to justify it by saying we are more privileged than they were and we don't deserve the lives we have, this thought process should find you on Mike G's couch.
Just because we have made a life for ourselves through any and every obstacle we've encountered does not mean for one second that everyone will have our live because they have not earned it.
No regrets for who I am and what I've done with my life? Yes, i am guilty as charged
Until I had to use Mike in a professional capacity. Marriage counseling. Not cool, not so fun and if I remember correctly, the end of my nearly professional career as a church league softball player.
Things were not amazing at home. Life was difficult in the relationship department and I knew Mike was in the business and I liked and respected him. So I paid him for a few visits and explored my inner workings.
I think it was the 3rd and final visit that got to the root of the problem and after that, I didn't return to his office or the team or even the church for some time.
A little of topic...Gary Smalley is a very successful Christian Family counselor and in his studies, successful families have one thing in common, camping.
We didn't camp and I usually have a current point to make as I tell a story, regardless of whether I tell the story good or bad.
During my last session with Mike , I used the word deserve. I don't remember the sentence but it was his sudden increase in writing that made me realize it might be important. The second time I said it, ten minutes later, after a flurry of scribbling and a "hmmmm" I knew I found out something important. Well, it wasn't until he said "you used that word twice".
I knew then that I was guilty of something that kept me from finding peace and happiness in my life, at least on a subconscious level. What was it that I needed to deserve happiness? To deserve tranquility in my life?
In retrospect it is easy to answer this...I needed to not feel guilty for being me. For being born in a country that allows me certain qualities of life that others don't have.
I have learned over the years that even though I have had a few extra opportunities because of education, skin color, country of birth, or any other non-politically correct situation that I should not question whether I deserve something or not. I have scratched and clawed my way through life, the same as others. I've been homeless and penniless and still fought through it all. I have not felt the discrimination that some skin colors have but I never felt privileged either. But to look south of the border, at the invasion that may soon try to cross our border, and try to justify it by saying we are more privileged than they were and we don't deserve the lives we have, this thought process should find you on Mike G's couch.
Just because we have made a life for ourselves through any and every obstacle we've encountered does not mean for one second that everyone will have our live because they have not earned it.
No regrets for who I am and what I've done with my life? Yes, i am guilty as charged
Tuesday, October 23, 2018
Broccoli
No. It won't be Dana Carvey singing an amazing tune about a veggie that HW loves to hate. Not even close. This is about advertising. And in the political season we are in with 2 weeks remaining before a blue or red tsunami sweeps across our nation, it seemed like a great time to talk about broccoli.
When was the last time you saw an ad for it? Or for cabbage, beets, onions, or garlic? We know they're good for us, balanced diet and all and the growers of these products don't seem to ever advertise. But...
Beef, it's what's for dinner. Pork, the other white meat and all of the other ads that we've seen over the last 20 years trying to get you to choose the meat that is best. Ads. Choices. Manipulation to earn your dollars and your attention.
Trump has raised $100 million for his re-election bid already. (BTW, I didn't match any numbers on the mega millions). Special interest groups have matched and exceeded that for the mid-term elections that are about to, in my opinion, divide the country forever. Why? Because voting is not broccoli. It's not good for you, not the way we participate currently, anyway.
(Not even one fricking number! Sorry, lottery complaints)
Vote harder! That is one of the memes we see and understand the ridiculous notion of going out and doing something that "they" convince us to do to try to make a difference in our lives. It's only so we feel better about the purchase we made that we can feel better. The one vote that was ours to spend, based on the advertising we listened to could've changed everything we know. Why didn't it?
Because it isn't good for you, it only makes you feel good to do. It's not broccoli.
In the beginning of this series, I spoke about change, about an idea. Next Tuesday, I will start to tie up some of the loose ends so we can move forward as a nation. As you see the advertising to vote early, vote for this candidate, or vote often, remember it is not about voting harder but it will be about voting smarter. Vote for broccoli.
When was the last time you saw an ad for it? Or for cabbage, beets, onions, or garlic? We know they're good for us, balanced diet and all and the growers of these products don't seem to ever advertise. But...
Beef, it's what's for dinner. Pork, the other white meat and all of the other ads that we've seen over the last 20 years trying to get you to choose the meat that is best. Ads. Choices. Manipulation to earn your dollars and your attention.
Trump has raised $100 million for his re-election bid already. (BTW, I didn't match any numbers on the mega millions). Special interest groups have matched and exceeded that for the mid-term elections that are about to, in my opinion, divide the country forever. Why? Because voting is not broccoli. It's not good for you, not the way we participate currently, anyway.
(Not even one fricking number! Sorry, lottery complaints)
Vote harder! That is one of the memes we see and understand the ridiculous notion of going out and doing something that "they" convince us to do to try to make a difference in our lives. It's only so we feel better about the purchase we made that we can feel better. The one vote that was ours to spend, based on the advertising we listened to could've changed everything we know. Why didn't it?
Because it isn't good for you, it only makes you feel good to do. It's not broccoli.
In the beginning of this series, I spoke about change, about an idea. Next Tuesday, I will start to tie up some of the loose ends so we can move forward as a nation. As you see the advertising to vote early, vote for this candidate, or vote often, remember it is not about voting harder but it will be about voting smarter. Vote for broccoli.
Sunday, October 7, 2018
Royal Flush
I asked a few people I respect if a constitutional republic is a monarchy without a crown. There was no clear consensus only that it was an interesting perspective. So I did a little research. I won't answer the question but I will share some thoughts about royalty and let you draw your own conclusions.
Ruling families started when tribal wars began. The strongest warrior leading his close neighbors into war with next next town over. Why? Food, seeds, didn't like they way they looked or spoke, no good dating sites yet, or maybe oil. Whatever the reason, there was a victor and he claimed the land as his. Because of his strength and bravery he was appointed leader. And general passed on the leadership to next of kin. And blah, blah, blah because you know how the basic work out.
This takes us to Rome. Roman kings we know as Caesars and to wrap up what happened quickly and not draw the ire of many readers, the ruling of the people was turned over to the Senate, at least that what Marcus Aurelius wanted as told to us by Maximus. (I did do more research than watching Gladiator and Game of Thrones.) A model was formed for some of the future monarchies around this time, no matter where I got the information.
There are 26 current kingdoms around the world ruling 43 countries. The most interesting, the Vatican. I'll say it slower if you read to quickly. T h e V a t I c a n. Calm down, its kingdom only as large as the walls that surround Vatican City. But a far reaching kingdom just the same. No, each church is not a consulate and protected by diplomatic immunity, although we have treated it that way until recently. But I am getting sidetracked.
The best known is the United Kingdom. The role of Queen is largely ceremonial and the House of Windsor has been in place only since 1917. Ruling royals battled for control since the late 900s with new "Houses" taking control every so often.
Now somewhere along the line, subjects got tired of the ruling family, even though they did have some representation set up. Still came down to what the king said would be law of the land.
How they modeled the constitution is not up to me to decide. It does have some of the basic characteristics of a monarchy without the royalty, in my opinion. Fortunately for us, the founders may have had some altruistic ideas on how things should work. Serve for free and for the good of the people and nation would be a cornerstone, again, in my opinion.
Every revolution that modern day history has recorded with some degree of accuracy has always ended the same way. A lower class gets an idea and wants to take from the ruling class what they have and the criminals with the biggest cahonas usually become the next leaders. What I believe the constitution did was to create a vacuum of power. Sitting there for someone to take. The patriots of our nation did all they could to anticipate the greed of man but nature finds a way.
Confused? So what happens is that there is enough leeway in the original documents that some of the rules can be changed, a little. Orwell is still most famous for his predictions in 1984 but his most memorable book was not the futuristic writings but that of the past...Animal Farm.
In the vacuum, the opportunity was created to have a new ruling class and public went along with it by voting for the new leaders. We believed that they would represent us an what the majority of each district actually wanted. We now know, as the confirmation hearings are wrapped up, that they represent us at all.
I know it's crazy to think it but let's fly over North Dakota right now. Elected senator Heidi Heitkamp knew that 2/3rds of her state wanted her to vote yes for Kavanaugh. But her proud motherhood would not allow her to give her kids what they demanded, lest she spoil them on her way out.
That was a quick and easy one to point out. She made her deal to be taken care of after she loses the election and now has created a new blood line for the party.
I want to include a couple links, which I don't normally do, to help you understand where we are and how we got here. If you're going to play along with me, this was all needed to set up the plan for change.
Remember, the House of Windsor is only 100 years old, as you scroll through our own ruling classes in the good old US of A.
https://www.npr.org/2013/07/18/203289915/the-united-states-of-dynasty-boom-times-for-political-families
https://ballotpedia.org/List_of_current_members_of_the_U.S._Congress
There was a time that serving your country was honorable because it was done for the betterment of the nation. Unfortunately, those days are behind us and the fault lies squarely on the shoulders of the people. We have some work to do to take our country back, both sides of the aisle. I believe we can do this together without the hatred and infighting. Together we can grab the handle of the toilet that makes up our country's politics and give it a royal flush.
Ruling families started when tribal wars began. The strongest warrior leading his close neighbors into war with next next town over. Why? Food, seeds, didn't like they way they looked or spoke, no good dating sites yet, or maybe oil. Whatever the reason, there was a victor and he claimed the land as his. Because of his strength and bravery he was appointed leader. And general passed on the leadership to next of kin. And blah, blah, blah because you know how the basic work out.
This takes us to Rome. Roman kings we know as Caesars and to wrap up what happened quickly and not draw the ire of many readers, the ruling of the people was turned over to the Senate, at least that what Marcus Aurelius wanted as told to us by Maximus. (I did do more research than watching Gladiator and Game of Thrones.) A model was formed for some of the future monarchies around this time, no matter where I got the information.
There are 26 current kingdoms around the world ruling 43 countries. The most interesting, the Vatican. I'll say it slower if you read to quickly. T h e V a t I c a n. Calm down, its kingdom only as large as the walls that surround Vatican City. But a far reaching kingdom just the same. No, each church is not a consulate and protected by diplomatic immunity, although we have treated it that way until recently. But I am getting sidetracked.
The best known is the United Kingdom. The role of Queen is largely ceremonial and the House of Windsor has been in place only since 1917. Ruling royals battled for control since the late 900s with new "Houses" taking control every so often.
Now somewhere along the line, subjects got tired of the ruling family, even though they did have some representation set up. Still came down to what the king said would be law of the land.
How they modeled the constitution is not up to me to decide. It does have some of the basic characteristics of a monarchy without the royalty, in my opinion. Fortunately for us, the founders may have had some altruistic ideas on how things should work. Serve for free and for the good of the people and nation would be a cornerstone, again, in my opinion.
Every revolution that modern day history has recorded with some degree of accuracy has always ended the same way. A lower class gets an idea and wants to take from the ruling class what they have and the criminals with the biggest cahonas usually become the next leaders. What I believe the constitution did was to create a vacuum of power. Sitting there for someone to take. The patriots of our nation did all they could to anticipate the greed of man but nature finds a way.
Confused? So what happens is that there is enough leeway in the original documents that some of the rules can be changed, a little. Orwell is still most famous for his predictions in 1984 but his most memorable book was not the futuristic writings but that of the past...Animal Farm.
In the vacuum, the opportunity was created to have a new ruling class and public went along with it by voting for the new leaders. We believed that they would represent us an what the majority of each district actually wanted. We now know, as the confirmation hearings are wrapped up, that they represent us at all.
I know it's crazy to think it but let's fly over North Dakota right now. Elected senator Heidi Heitkamp knew that 2/3rds of her state wanted her to vote yes for Kavanaugh. But her proud motherhood would not allow her to give her kids what they demanded, lest she spoil them on her way out.
That was a quick and easy one to point out. She made her deal to be taken care of after she loses the election and now has created a new blood line for the party.
I want to include a couple links, which I don't normally do, to help you understand where we are and how we got here. If you're going to play along with me, this was all needed to set up the plan for change.
Remember, the House of Windsor is only 100 years old, as you scroll through our own ruling classes in the good old US of A.
https://www.npr.org/2013/07/18/203289915/the-united-states-of-dynasty-boom-times-for-political-families
https://ballotpedia.org/List_of_current_members_of_the_U.S._Congress
There was a time that serving your country was honorable because it was done for the betterment of the nation. Unfortunately, those days are behind us and the fault lies squarely on the shoulders of the people. We have some work to do to take our country back, both sides of the aisle. I believe we can do this together without the hatred and infighting. Together we can grab the handle of the toilet that makes up our country's politics and give it a royal flush.
Tuesday, October 2, 2018
The Kitchen Table
Still doing research for Kingdoms or whatever it will be titled but in the meantime, I think we should sit down at the kitchen table and talk. Coffee? Maybe a beer? I'll stick with my glass or two of wine. I know you can tell when it starts to hit me by the way my writing style changes. Lines get blurred in my brain. Tonight, I'm coherent and almost intellectual.
I married Sveta almost 10 years ago. She complains, sometimes, about the radio show I join in on (SaltyTalkRadio.com Wednesdays and Fridays 4pm EST) and I understand why. Its 3 hours of talking, listening, and drinking. The last bit makes it more fun most days, not that I am a proponent for alcohol induced behavioral changes in men, under the current climate of things, but we have fun sitting around and talking.
My wife and I do the same thing. Most days we could broadcast our own show from our own kitchen table. Getting caught up on our day, my son at school, stories that we read in the news, our past and how it melds together with the world around us. Sometimes its drivel, sometimes life changing. The important thing...we talk. More importantly, we listen.
This isn't about my wife or the show. It is about the habits that I have developed of sitting down, ceremonially, at the kitchen table.
Tonight we talk about taxes. Why? Because the FBI investigation is closing up shop on the Kavanaugh thing and now the headlines are about...taxes.
Can I warm your coffee? There's cookies in the jar next to you and Little Debbie's from my private stash. Relax.
"The New York Times said God is dead and the wars begun. Alvin Tostig has a son today. And he shall be Levon".
The Times shifted focus from Ford to taxes today. And new outrage is sweeping social media. This is why we need to sit down.
I won't go into the 'voluntary compliance' of the income tax law but I do want to address a couple issues with the story from the Times and I hope you are not just waiting your turn to talk. You can, if you want, comment on the blog or wherever i post it. I'm cool with that.
Times. Taxes.
Just because most presidents turn over their tax returns, doesn't mean they have to. It's not a law. Just because you would like to see them doesn't mean you Have The Right to.
Not to mention, if there is an inconsistency, you do have the right not to incriminate yourself. That's the legal side of it. More importantly, when people can look at photos of Mars and see humanoids sitting on the planet, what do you think they would do with a tax return?
Ready for a glass of wine?
The IRS is arguably the most powerful and ruthless organization when it comes to getting what they feel is theirs and you think that for one second that they didn't go over an inheritance return in the hundreds of millions of dollars with a fine tooth comb? Listen to what you are saying. Do you really think that a family that will inherit over a billion dollars didn't seek legal and expert tax advice?
He didn't pay enough! That's the retort. Remember, we're at my kitchen table and I've been listening for the last couple hours. He didn't create the loopholes that allowed the family to keep more of the money. Andy Dufresne told the guard on the prison rooftop how to avoid paying taxes on 50 grand. Fictional, yes. Same theory.
What gets me is why this guy? It can't be over a fair share of taxes. Look at GE if you want to be outraged over that.
You're at a bar. A cutie next to you and you're buying drinks. A man walks in and takes the empty seat next to her. He chats her up for a couple of minutes right in front of you. Your face is flushed but you feel you have enough invested in her that she'll laugh him off.
He leaves. She suddenly remembers a test, a headache, or sick mother that needs attention. A quick peck on the cheek and she is gone. You watch her head, not to her car but to him.
And think to yourself " he didn't shave, he smelled and look at that piece of crap of a car...that she is getting into after the drinks I bought.
I fill your coffee and you realize the only reason you hate him is because of jealousy. She wanted a man and you were not it, today.
I'll be here tomorrow, the coffee will be hot, the wine plentiful. We can chat again if you like. I will tell you the truth and you probably won't like it but I promise to listen too and maybe we can agree on something.
I married Sveta almost 10 years ago. She complains, sometimes, about the radio show I join in on (SaltyTalkRadio.com Wednesdays and Fridays 4pm EST) and I understand why. Its 3 hours of talking, listening, and drinking. The last bit makes it more fun most days, not that I am a proponent for alcohol induced behavioral changes in men, under the current climate of things, but we have fun sitting around and talking.
My wife and I do the same thing. Most days we could broadcast our own show from our own kitchen table. Getting caught up on our day, my son at school, stories that we read in the news, our past and how it melds together with the world around us. Sometimes its drivel, sometimes life changing. The important thing...we talk. More importantly, we listen.
This isn't about my wife or the show. It is about the habits that I have developed of sitting down, ceremonially, at the kitchen table.
Tonight we talk about taxes. Why? Because the FBI investigation is closing up shop on the Kavanaugh thing and now the headlines are about...taxes.
Can I warm your coffee? There's cookies in the jar next to you and Little Debbie's from my private stash. Relax.
"The New York Times said God is dead and the wars begun. Alvin Tostig has a son today. And he shall be Levon".
The Times shifted focus from Ford to taxes today. And new outrage is sweeping social media. This is why we need to sit down.
I won't go into the 'voluntary compliance' of the income tax law but I do want to address a couple issues with the story from the Times and I hope you are not just waiting your turn to talk. You can, if you want, comment on the blog or wherever i post it. I'm cool with that.
Times. Taxes.
Just because most presidents turn over their tax returns, doesn't mean they have to. It's not a law. Just because you would like to see them doesn't mean you Have The Right to.
Not to mention, if there is an inconsistency, you do have the right not to incriminate yourself. That's the legal side of it. More importantly, when people can look at photos of Mars and see humanoids sitting on the planet, what do you think they would do with a tax return?
Ready for a glass of wine?
The IRS is arguably the most powerful and ruthless organization when it comes to getting what they feel is theirs and you think that for one second that they didn't go over an inheritance return in the hundreds of millions of dollars with a fine tooth comb? Listen to what you are saying. Do you really think that a family that will inherit over a billion dollars didn't seek legal and expert tax advice?
He didn't pay enough! That's the retort. Remember, we're at my kitchen table and I've been listening for the last couple hours. He didn't create the loopholes that allowed the family to keep more of the money. Andy Dufresne told the guard on the prison rooftop how to avoid paying taxes on 50 grand. Fictional, yes. Same theory.
What gets me is why this guy? It can't be over a fair share of taxes. Look at GE if you want to be outraged over that.
You're at a bar. A cutie next to you and you're buying drinks. A man walks in and takes the empty seat next to her. He chats her up for a couple of minutes right in front of you. Your face is flushed but you feel you have enough invested in her that she'll laugh him off.
He leaves. She suddenly remembers a test, a headache, or sick mother that needs attention. A quick peck on the cheek and she is gone. You watch her head, not to her car but to him.
And think to yourself " he didn't shave, he smelled and look at that piece of crap of a car...that she is getting into after the drinks I bought.
I fill your coffee and you realize the only reason you hate him is because of jealousy. She wanted a man and you were not it, today.
I'll be here tomorrow, the coffee will be hot, the wine plentiful. We can chat again if you like. I will tell you the truth and you probably won't like it but I promise to listen too and maybe we can agree on something.
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